Manchester City Injury Update: Four Key Player Statuses Revealed by Pep Guardiola Ahead of Liverpool Game

Manchester, England — Pep Guardiola has placed four of his most influential names under the microscope as Manchester City finalise preparations for Sunday’s Premier League showdown at Anfield, revealing a mixture of hope and caution ahead of the meeting with Liverpool.

City’s captain, Bernardo Silva, is the biggest concern. The Portuguese midfielder sat out Wednesday’s 3-1 second-leg victory over Newcastle United that sealed a place in the EFL Cup final after sustaining what Guardiola termed “a muscle problem, less serious than a hamstring.” Silva will be reassessed during Saturday’s first-team session, leaving his involvement on Merseyside hanging in the balance.

Ruben Dias, absent since early January with a hamstring issue, returned to full training this week. The centre-back did not feature against Newcastle but is now in contention for a recall should Guardiola decide his defensive unit needs the Portugal international’s presence against a Liverpool attack spearheaded by Mohamed Salah and company.

John Stones continues to work his way back from a thigh complaint that has sidelined him since December. While the England defender’s rehabilitation is “progressing steadily,” club staff do not anticipate him being risked at Anfield, effectively ruling him out of the weekend squad.

Erling Haaland, the division’s leading marksman, came off the bench to feature in midweek and is available for selection. Guardiola stopped short of guaranteeing the Norwegian a start, insisting the final call will be made after training. “At this level it’s not just about skill,” the manager said. “How players handle pressure and respond in key moments often makes the difference.”

Long-term absentees Jeremy Doku (calf), Savinho (minor knock), Josko Gvardiol (tibial fracture) and Mateo Kovacic (ankle and heel) remain unavailable, although Doku and Savinho are edging closer to a return.

City enter the weekend six points behind leaders Arsenal following last week’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham and can ill-afford another slip if the title race is to stay within striking distance. Guardiola acknowledged the scale of the task awaiting his side on Sunday, describing Liverpool as “a top team” and Anfield as “always a tough place to visit.”

With a near-full squad at his disposal—barring the confirmed absentees—Guardiola is expected to revert to a first-choice lineup after rotating six starters against Newcastle. January acquisition Marc Guehi is available again after missing the EFL Cup semi-final, though he will sit out the final against Arsenal next month due to cup-tie regulations.

Kick-off on Sunday, 7 February, is scheduled for 16:30 GMT, with both clubs aware that three points could prove pivotal in shaping the destiny of the Premier League crown.